Response to Tissa Attanayaka

“I request UNP MP, Tissa Attanayaka to verify his facts before speaking to the media. He should not utter lies and try to tarnish the image of the President,” President’s Media Division Director General Bandula Jayasekara said yesterday.

“Only 43 people went to St Petersburg with the President and NOT 81 as propagated by Mr Attanayaka. I am sure as a former Cabinet member of the UNP (though his leader was never a Head of State); Mr Attanayaka is aware who should be included in a Head of States delegation and who should travel with a President. They include ministers, Members of Parliament, officials, media and security and doctors,” Jayasekara said.

“There is nothing wrong with a Head of State chartering plane. I like to ask Mr Attanayaka if he wants to put the life of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in danger. President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to St Petersburg was very productive.

The President was able to have discussions with four world leaders within a 48 hour period. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Pieris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal briefed the media on the success of the tour.

“We request Mr. Attanayaka to act in a responsible manner in the future and refrain from misleading the people of Sri Lanka.”